skobbler today announces the worldwide launch of the exciting next generation of hybrid (online and offline) maps with the launch of ForeverMap 2, an innovative, forward-thinking solution that takes on Google Maps and rivals with a number of unique benefits and features.

ForeverMap 2 uses OpenStreetMap, a worldwide open-source project that has created the most dynamic map on the planet and one that is showcased through skobbler's wildly popular GPS Navigation 2 software. ForeverMap 2 gives users a true choice over how they use maps, whether online or offline with full countries, continents, states and cities available to purchase as installable map upgrades, and all the time offers unprecedented detail and accuracy thanks to an ever-growing worldwide contributor base that's closing in on one million users already.

Featuring skobbler's newest generation of its advanced NGx map engine, ForeverMap 2 offers a number of advantages over the competition. Users get the ultimate choice in how they want to use maps: either online or with convenient offline map area upgrades for cities or entire countries. Alongside advanced map compression technology to cut down on the valuable phone real estate taken up by downloaded maps, this choice allows you to find the optimal balance of online and offline map use while leaving enough room for videos, photos and other apps. ForeverMap 2 also takes map software way past sole street-level focus thanks to OpenStreetMap's outdoor data richness, allowing cyclists, hikers and pedestrians to find the most effective route to their destination. Users can bookmark places of interest to save key locations to the current map, access Wikipedia-based descriptions for sites of interest, and with regular, free map updates offers an amazing degree of detail and accuracy.

Alongside these benefits, ForeverMap 2 brings all of the functionality you'd expect from a high-end map solution, including address search, location finder, route calculation and an extensive POI database for both online and offline use through optional map downloads. Locations can be shared with friends and the "paperback-like" map experience offers cutting-edge map visuals alongside zoom, pan and turn controls, street names and a compass that can be set to orient itself in the direction of travel.

"We believe that our great experience with OpenStreetMap puts us in a unique position to offer modern smartphone and tablet users a powerful alternative to rival map services," says co-founder of skobbler, Marcus Thielking. "ForeverMap 2 is the most powerful hybrid map solution on the market, allowing users to choose exactly what they want to view and how they want to view it: OpenStreetMap's rapidly growing contributor base, which is closing in on one million users, enables us to provide the most dynamic and accurate solution on the market."

Businesses and developers can also benefit from the technology fueling ForeverMap 2 (and GPS Navigation 2) through skobbler's GeOS map access technology for both web and mobile. GeOS allows developers to implement OpenStreetMap into their services, providing them with a more versatile, independent alternative to Google Maps and other platforms while enabling features such as zooming, colouring and panning and dramatically reducing the complexity of working with raw map data.

"We're already working closely with a number of large corporations to help them integrate OpenStreetMap into their products and services via GeOS," says Thielking. "Having achieved status of bestselling navigation app for years-on-end in Germany and the UK and #1 position in over 20 countries with GPS Navigation 2, we've proved that our innovative technology solution is ready and able to meet the demands of today's consumers and service providers. We believe that we're well-placed to offer similar benefits to businesses that are looking for an alternative to Google Maps and other rivals."

ForeverMap 2 is available now for Android via the Google Play store priced at 69p, and users will receive online worldwide maps for free alongside an offline map of their choice as standard. Other maps are available for offline use via in-app purchases. Prices start at 69p for Cities, Countries are GBP 1.99, Continents GBP 3.99 and a map of the World costs just GBP 7.99.

About skobbler

Founded in 2008, Berlin-based skobbler (www.skobbler.com) is one of the premier players in mobile location-aware services. With over 3 million customers on iOS alone, skobbler has regularly topped overall and category app charts in numerous countries, leading the way in the development of location technology and end consumer products based on the OpenStreetMap. This experience also facilitates skobbler's development projects for third parties. Based on the skobbler GeOS map access technology, companies can base their location-aware web or mobile services on the OpenStreetMap.

Press contacts

For further information or to arrange an interview with Marcus Thielking, Co-founder of skobbler, please contact:

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